Hair loss treatments for men
Male-pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is treated with two proven medicines plus a market of additives of varying evidence.
The evidence-backed pair
- Finasteride 1mg daily — blocks DHT conversion; the only oral with strong regrowth/maintenance evidence. UK online clinics publish ~£20–£55/month bundles (verified prices vary by provider — re-verify before purchase). Side-effects are genuinely debated in the literature (post-finasteride syndrome reporting) — read the patient information leaflet and discuss with a prescriber rather than dismissing either position.
- Minoxidil 5% topical (or low-dose oral off-label) — twice-daily topical is OTC; oral low-dose is prescribed off-label by hair clinics.
What clinics in this directory add
Men's-health clinics commonly offer both medicines as a hair-loss side-bundle to TRT membership. The same prescriber-safety rules apply: named doctor, monitoring, licensed UK sourcing.
The additive market (treat with caution)
Biotin, saw palmetto, "DHT-blocker supplements", laser combs, PRP injections (£200–£500/session in UK clinics, mixed trial evidence). None outperform finasteride; several cost more than both proven medicines combined.
Red flags
Sellers of finasteride without prescription (POM — illegal), "guaranteed regrowth" claims, unlicensed compounded topicals with unstated concentrations.
Sources: NHS hair-loss pages; published UK clinic/pharmacy prices checked 2026-10-08. Not medical advice.
Information directory — medically reviewed sources cited per page · Source-checked 2026-10-09 · Independent information directory — not medical advice.